
i 




Class _ 
Book_ 






Copyright N . 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



I 



LITTLE IS MUCH 
WHEN GOD IS IN IT 

<A WORV OF ENCOURAGEMENT 



f^A 




N Mrs. CYRIL BIRD 

Formerly a Missionary in Central Africa 



Nbw York: Buffalo: 

FRANCIS EMORY FITCH, INC Mrs. CYRIL BIRD 

47 Broad Street 257 Plymouth Ave. 



* v 1 

3>* 



*i 



Coppright 1910, by 
Mrs. Cyril Bird 



CCI.A27S532 

I 



1* 



To my Mother, whose life testimony 
has opened my eyes to the fullest 
realization of the deep truth embodied 
in the title of this little book— Little 
Is Much when God Is In It — this 
volume is affectionately dedicated by 
the author. 



PREFACE 

A very little word only of preface is necessary to the accom- 
panying simple, yet profoundly affecting record of the far- 
reaching results of one day spent, as we may say, in the House 
of the Lord; for surely this dependent walk with Him is the 
equivalent to-day for the privilege Israel's psalmist so deeply 
appreciated, and proving that a day thus spent in His Courts is 
truly "better than a thousand." 

A humble believer commits her way unto the Lord, and 
then — everything appears to go just contrary to what might 
have been anticipated. In this case, the Lord permitted "Sister 
Abigail" to see the end and purpose for the interruptions and 
disappointments; and now Mrs. Bird has spread this out in 
these pages for the blessing and cheer of others. 

But is this always the case? Should we always expect to get 
an interpretation of all His ways here? Were we "wise" and 
would "observe these things" we should surely "understand the 
loving kindness of the Lord" far better than we do, and this 
is our shame ; yet we must also remember that this is the day 
of the trial of our faith — that faith which is more precious to 
God than gold to men; and often we have to be content with 
"believing where we cannot prove." But does He value this 
less or more? "We walk by faith, not by sight," whilst to see 
the reason for all that is perplexing would really be sight and 
not faith. 

There is one other word of caution that I would add : 
The Scripture reads "whose faith follow," not "whose meth- 
ods follow." Faith does not imitate the means another may 
be led to take. God may really lead one to do something even 
strange and extraordinary; let us be careful not to do the 

7 



PREFACE. 

same thing, apart from the same leading. True faith in God 
leads rather to different methods than the same; for His wis- 
dom is so manifold that we should no more expect Him to 
repeat Himself in every detail of His guidance of His people, 
than to make two blades of grass exactly alike. 

May the. Lord grant us, beloved reader, to know the Enoch- 
joy of walking with Him here till we know the Enoch-joy of 
being translated to be with Him forever. 

F. C. Jennings. 



CHAPTER I. 

"For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." — Prov. 
27:1. 

"Little is much, when God is in it; 

Man's busiest day's not worth God's minute, 
Much is little everywhere, 

If God the labour do not share; 
So work with God and nothing's lost, 

Who works with Him does best and most: 
Work on! Work on!"— A. A. Rees. 

It is only the old tale of everything going dead 
wrong, when much is planned to be done and one 
desires to put in a full day for the Master, here 
a little, and there a little. How things do trans- 
pire to hinder! You know just how it is! and, 
when evening falls, there is the little sigh — but! — 
His ways are not our ways, and, if the day is 
placed in His hands, will He not control it? "Doth 
He not count our steps?" Job 31:4. Can He not 
make much out of little? Yes, more than we could 
even hope. And through delays and hinderings, 
has He not therewith precious lessons to teach? 
Surely the heart, that can see God in everything 
soon learns to value these details. 

Shall I relate the story of a day of this kind? 
Abigail visits a dear old saint, who is very poor, 
and who has crocheted some mats that she desires 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

to sell, but that have been done with a coarse 
yellow thread. If only they were white! 
What can be done? 

Why, bleach them! Oh, yes, she can do this little 
thing to help, and so, in His name, the mats are 
carried home, for it will take only such a little 
while you know, and then those visits, that were 
planned, can be made all in time to attend to the 
women's little prayer meeting. 

It does seem an easy thing to do but Abigail 
has not had the experience of washing new mats. 
Each one must be carefully pinned to its place, 
while it bleaches in the sun, and there are so many 
points to each — one-half hour speeds quickly by. 
One hour, my, how time flies! Will they ever be 
finished? It looks as if the calls will not be made, 
unless help comes. Well, help does come. Iona 
appears on the scene and lends a helping hand. How 
they work! Another hour has gone by, alas! it is 
noon. 

"Oh, well," thinks Abigail, "I shall not wait 
for lunch, but hurry away for I must make those 
calls," but watchful eyes have noticed, the cup of 
tea has been prepared, and she is hindered just a 
little longer, for, of course, she must show appre- 
ciation of this tender touch of love and thoughtful- 

10 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

ness. But time is going! How can she linger? 
Hastily taking the refreshment, she rushes to 
catch the car, but only in time to see it pass by. 

Fifteen minutes to wait ! ! 

Who of us does not know a little of this annoy- 
ance? It is just one delay after another to-day! 
If one had only known ! If one had only planned dif- 
ferently! If! If! If! It is bewildering! I did want 
to accomplish so much for Him to-day says the 
Christian heart. Well! does He not know? Does 
He not care; Ah, yes! And "Little is much, when 
God is in it." 

Here comes the car ! 

At last she is on her way. Seated, she sorts 
her tracts. "Here is a short one: Oh, I will give 
this one to the conductor." What a startling head- 
line 'Where Hell is.' Just a question asked by a 
companion in ridicule, 'Can you tell me where 
hell is?' And the answer, given after a moment's 
thought, "Yes, it is at the end of a Christless life." 
That is all ! 

The tract is offered, but, on taking it, the con- 
ductor demurs, saying, "You always give me one 
of these religious papers, I suppose you think me 
a very wicked fellow, but I am as good as they make 
them." 

ll 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

"Ah! but this Bible tells me, 'The heart is de- 
ceitful above all things, and desperately wicked' 
(Jer. xvii: 9). That means your heart and mine. 
It doesn't sound very good, does it?" 

"O well, there is plenty of time for me to think 
about these things, I am still young." 

"Yes, but if you go to the graveyard, you will 
find all sizes of graves there — your size." 

But he laughed, saying, "There is plenty 
of time for me, this is my afternoon off, 
and I mean to have the time of my life." 

On leaving the car, impelled to turn again 
to him, she said "Bemember the time is short, and 
you need not go to a Christless grave — to hell — 
Jesus died for you." 

The car sped on with this fine-looking, healthy 
conductor to his afternoon's pleasure. Abigail, 
this christian worker, goes to make her calls at 
last. Then, to the sisters' weekly prayer-meeting. 
Here the tale of the day is related, mentioning the 
chat with the conductor. Only seven women are 
there, but each prays audibly for the conductor's 
salvation — but — does it pay to pray? 

The next morning Abigail goes forth on another 
day's mission of tract distributing on C — Market. 
She takes the same car, but finds a new conductor. 

12 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

He approaches her with the question, "Are yon 
the lady who gave a paper to the conductor on 
this car yesterday?" 

"Oh, yes." 

"Well, that conductor is dead!" 

"Are you sure? How did it happen?" 

"I was in the car when you spoke to him, and 
I took his place when he left. He jumped from 
this car to the N — car, fell under the wheels and 
was killed !" 

The worker was stunned. It was too dreadful. 
That strong man, so bright! So young! Gone! 
And where? Oh, could it be to a Christless grave? 

Sick and faint, she returns later on another car, 
and the conductor approaches her asking "Are you 
the lady who gave a tract to a conductor on 
the C — car yesterday?" 

"Yes, but I know all about it, and feel I cannot 
bear to hear it again." 

"Yes, but you do not know all, I went to the 
hospital with him and was there, when he died." 

"Oh! he was not killed instantly then?" 

"No, but lived till 7:45 this morning, and he 
gave me a description of you, saying 'You will 
know her, because she always carries a Bible and 
is often on C — and G — cars. Tell her I am not 

18 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

going to a Christless grave — I have accepted the 
Saviour she told me of. Now, madam, if you want 
to do a good turn, go and comfort his mother." 

What tremendous issues follow the story of this 
day! The mats — the delays — the hindrances — 
missing the car — to take that one to meet that con- 
ductor, surely, "Little is much when God is in it!" 



14 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER II. 

"But other fell on good ground and brought forth fruit, some 
an hundredfold, some sixtyf old and some thirtyf old." — Matt. 13 :8. 

What about the thief on the cross? It was the 
last hour for him! He acknowledged himself the 
guilty one and Jesus the righteous one, and called 
Jesus, Lord. And the Word says no man calleth 
Him, Lord — but by the Spirit. We have our Lord's 
word for it that he should be with Him. Dying, 
having accepted Christ, he went into eternity to 
be with Christ, but no deeds of love could he do! 
No fruit could he bear! a moment of time, and 
gone! 

Fruitless? Ah, no! That cannot be. 

Who has preached more telling sermons, than the 
thief on the cross? Who of us has not remembered 
him, and taken courage to speak to the dying, of Je- 
sus, mighty to save? And how many hearing of the 
thief have at the very last moment been encouraged 
to trust Jesus, saying "Lord, — I believe." 

The thief gave the occasion for this work of 
grace, gave the example for the sinner to trust and 
not be afraid, and shall not much fruit be to his 
account at that day? 

Our strong, manly conductor, cut down — so aud- 
io 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

denly, yes, he said, "Lord, I believe." Just a mo- 
ment of time, and gone into eternity. Fruitless? 

Ah, no ! for it was good seed that fell into good 
ground; and, "Their works do follow them." 

How pleased he will be at that day, to meet those 
who trusted Jesus, because of his testimony ! How 
surprised ! Yes, he gave the occasion of it. For the 
suddenness of his death, following so shortly after 
the talk, and his confession of faith, seemed to de- 
mand a tract to be written, as a warning to those 
who think there is plenty of time — when time is 
short. 

There was much prayer about it, and Abigail and 
Iona put it into print, just a four paged leaflet 
entitled, "I am not going to a Christless grave, are 
you?" * 

They scattered these leaflets broadcast with much 
prayer, and the few women, who meet weekly to 
pray, watered the seed sown by their prayers — but, 
does it pay to pray? 

They were praying for that conductor, when his 
life was hanging in the balance — he was conscious 
— he accepted the Saviour and sent out the word, 
"I am not going to a Christless grave." 

Does it pay? 



Tracts can be had at 25c. one hundred from 257 Plymouth 
Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. 16 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER III. 

"In the morning, sow thy seed, and, in the evening, withhold 
not thine hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, 
either this or that, or whether they both alike shall be good !" — 
Eccles.ll :6. 

Iona had had a long sickness, was still very 
weak, when Abigail accompanied her on a day's 
outing. They enter a car for South Park, and 
sitting opposite them is a clergyman, a Roman 
Catholic priest, and Iona says "I wish that priest 
had the tract about our conductor, but I do not 
feel that I could offer it to him." 

So Abigail approaches him, and graciously offers 
the little leaflet. But the priest refuses it, and 
sharply rebukes her for speaking of these things 
in public, and forcing herself on others, then, with 
a touch of sarcasm, finishes by saying, "I suppose 
you are one of those persons that presume to think 
you can tell whether you are saved or not before 
you die !" 

"Oh, no sir, indeed I am not! I would not dare 
to presume to think any such thing." 

With this reply he was a wee bit more affable, 
but prayer was ascending, while the car sped on. 

17 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

The time was drawing near when cars were to be 
changed. A few remarks were passed, and then 
once more the leaflet was offered by Abigail say- 
ing: 

"The story is perfectly true, the incident hap- 
pened to a conductor on a B — St. car. I know the 
facts, and wrote the tract." 

Somewhat reluctantly, he accepted the paper, 
putting it in his pocket. Then she continued, "If 
you will pardon me, sir, and permit further intru- 
sion to prevent misunderstanding I feel I must ex- 
plain about my not 'presuming to think/ I don't 
think anything at all about it, for 'I know whom 
I have believed and am persuaded that He is able 
to keep that which I have committed unto Him 
against that day' (2 Tim. 1:12). I know, I know 
whom I have believed." 

They changed cars, but God says, "My word shall 
not return unto me void, * * * it shall prosper in 
the thing whereto I sent it." (Isa. lv:ll). 



18 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 
CHAPTER IV. 

"But God gave the increase" (1 Cor. iii:6). 

Two years have passed, and our next scene is in 
a Koman Catholic hospital, where a friend is ly- 
ing sick and Abigail goes to visit her, taking with 
her as is her custom the little messengers or tract- 
lets; but, as in all public buildings caution is 
needed here in distributing them, so one is slipped 
under a mat, another placed behind a picture, or 
pushed through a crevice of the door, anywhere, 
everywhere opportunity affords, "Thou knowest not 
which shall prosper, either this or that!" 

But the ever watchful eye of the sister-superior 
is upon her, and drawing near she places her hand 
on Abigail's shoulder, saying, 

"Child, you must be careful where you place 
these, they may get you into trouble, or you may 
be prohibited entrance to the building." 

Later on, one tract was discovered under a mat. 
It was the one entitled, "I am not going to a Christ- 
less grave, are you ?" The distributer was detected. 
The sister-superior's hand was again placed on 
Abigail's shoulder, saying, 

19 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

"Child, I am not altogether against these papers, 
and certainly not against you." She then ex- 
pressed her desire for an interview, but not then, 
and taking Abigail's telephone number, she said 
she would telephone her. 

Of course, Abigail's friends were solicitous for 
her safety, and were apprehensive as to future 
visits, but the matter was again prayed about by 
our praying circle, and this sister-superior was 
prayed for as well as our priest of the street car 
affair. 

What will it all mean? Does it mean danger to 
Abigail? Will she be refused further entrance to 
the Institution? Will she be secreted away? How 
such thoughts flash through anxious minds! But 
how safe one feels ! How confident ! How restful ! 
when the heart can exclaim "O God, my times are 
in thy hands!" and when the pages of the Old 
Book are turned to Psalm thirty-four, verse seven, 
and one reads, "The Angel of the Lord encampeth 
round about them that fear Him, and delivereth 
them." 

It was only a short time thereafter, when the 
telephone call came, and a meeting was appointed 
in the sister-superior's private office. The tract of 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

"our conductor" was produced, and Abigail was 
asked, "Was this tract written by you?" 

"Yes." 

"Did you give one to a Roman Catholic priest 
on a South Park car?" 

"Yes, I did." 

"Well, that priest is my brother, and I have seen 
one in his possession; he is ill, and has much de- 
sired an interview with the lady who gave it to 
him. Do you know you are running great danger 
in giving out these papers?" 

Then she asked Abigail's name, and when told, 
added, "I will call you 'Sister Abigail' and you will 
know me as 'Sister Cautious.' My brother is very 

ill, and is in the home of a friend at L Will you 

go with me to see him? But will you be afraid to 
go?" 

"Oh, no ! 'I know whom I have believed, and am 
persuaded that He is able to keep that which I 
have committed unto Him against that day !' " 

The appointment was made for the next morn- 
ing, and Sister Cautious and Sister Abigail trav- 
elled together to L . The priest in the last 

stage of consumption, was indeed very ill, in bed. 
They entered the sick room, and he, seeing Abigail, 
extended his two hands, saying: 

21 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

"Oh, yes, you are the one that told me, 'I 
know whom I have believed' and you said 
you could not presume to think such a thing. 
Now, I, too, know whom I have believed 
and am persuaded that He is able to keep that 
which I have committed unto Him against that 
day. Oh, I know, I know whom I have believed." 

The three were alone, and Sister Cautious, be- 
coming alarmed, remonstrated, saying, "Oh, you 
wont leave the true church will you? Don't dis- 
grace the family by leaving." 

"No, no, I will not leave the true church." Sister 
Abigail was asked, "Will you please read to me?" 
And opening God's Word, she read from St. Peter, 
second chapter, fifth verse: "Ye also as living 
stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priest- 
hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to 
God by Jesus Christ," saying that the true church 
is made up of living stones, living members, etc., 
etc. 

She was then asked to pray, and kneeling at the 
bedside she prayed, and the priest added, "Let her 
prayers be answered, for Jesus Christ's sake." 

Promising to come again, they were leaving, 
when he whispered to Abigail, "Pray that I may 

22 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

have the strength * * * at death to confess 
Christ before those, who will be with me." 

What must have been the feelings of Sister 
Abigail? "In the morning sow thy seed, in the 
evening withhold not thine hand, for thou knowest 
not which shall prosper, either this or that, or 
whether both alike shall be good." Surely, little 
is much, when God is in it, even in the giving of 
a tract. 

What must have been the feelings of Sister Cau- 
tious, as she reviewed the scenes in that sick room ! 
Moved to her inmost soul, she said, "I should like 
to know more. Why are you so persistent in tract- 
distributing?" 

"Because they contain the Word of God, and 
the Word is the power of God unto salvation to all 
that believe !" 

"Is salvation for time and eternity, gotten by 
simple belief in Christ dying for sinners on Cal- 
vary's cross, and is there nothing to do?" 

"Nothing to do? no, not a whit 
Nothing to pay? no, not a bit; 
All that was needed to do or to pay 
Jesus hath done in His own blessed way." 

"If you will take the place of a sinner and be- 
lieve that Jesus died for you, you will be saved." 
"Oh, I cannot believe. — I do not believe." 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

"I will pray that you, too, may say, 'I know 
whom I have believed.' " 

She was greatly agitated, deeply moved, but no, 
not angry ! 

They parted but to meet again, for it was only 
two days following, when they arranged another 
meeting in one of the parks. 

How carefully does Sister Abigail go over 
Christ's death, the value of Christ's work, finished 
on the cross! How satisfied God was with it all! 
And Sister Cautious exclaims spell-bound, awe- 
struck. "There can surely be nothing to pay! 
There can be nothing added!" 

Within five days, a telephone message tells of the 
priest being very low, and, at 8 :10 in the morning, 
they meet at a street corner, and proceed to L . 

The priest is in a dying condition. His fellow 
priests enter bearing the crucifix, offering it to 
him. He cannot kiss it. Upon urging, he pushes 
it away. 

"But there is no hope, dying so : Oh, he is not 
responsible though, he is delirious." 

"Oh, no! no! no! / know! I know whom I have 
believed. "Sister, why don't, why can't you believe? 
All money — all penance — will not avail to save your 
soul from hell!" 

24 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

He was exhausted ! A stimulant was given. Af- 
ter a little rest, lie extended his hand to Sister 
Abigail — "Pray for my sister, that she may know 
— 'O Father, save my sister, save my brother, for 
Jesus Christ's sake, and give to Sister Abigail 
strength to tell many, as she told me.' * Sister, 
can't you believe? Can't you understand?' " 

The breath is coming quickly now. 

He is going ! 

Priests draw near and Abigail is asked to go 
out, but our dying priest says, "No, let me hold 
her hand until the last minute. She taught me 
the true way." 

"Yes, brother, this is the true way," holding up 
the crucifix — "this is — " 

"No, not a piece of wood, but the Christ, that 
died upon it. For I know — whom I have believed. 
— " He is getting weaker — 

"Sister, give — her — a keepsake — from me — now 
— while — I can see it." 

"What shall I give?" 

"My last — new silk — handkerchief — 

"It's getting dark! Light the candles." 

A priest proceeds to light the church candles. 

"Oh, no ! no ! My path is light now — the eyes are 
growing dim but oh! it's getting light, for I 

25 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

can see Him, whom I have learned to know and 

I know He is able -He is able (a long 

pause) He is able to keep — 

— unto that day ! " 

Yes, he will tell his tale yonder — of the little 
tract about the conductor, and all that that after- 
noon's talk meant to his soul. 

"Can it be! oh, can it be! and I am that con- 
ductor!!!" "Surely, their works do follow them." 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER V. 

"Put thy shoes from off thy feet; the place, whereon thou 
standest, is holy ground." — Ex. 3:5. 

Tread softly! another soul has entered in! 

Surely this is holy ground ! 

Oh ! for clean hands to touch souls ! 

For clean lips, to speak the words of life ! 

For clean lives, to leave the impress of God ! 

"Oh use me, Lord, use even me 

Just as thou wilt, and when and where ; 

Until thy blessed face I see 

Thy rest! thy joy! thy Glory share!" — F. R. H. 

Our little praying circle, very subdued in His 
presence, listens with abated breath, as Abigail re- 
lates the story of the "Homegoing" of our priest. 
Surely, it pays to pray. Hearts are bowed in thank- 
fulness, humility creeps over the soul, the pulse 
quickens its beat. What a reality prayer is ! Hush ! 
we are on holy ground. And they bow the knee 
in that mighty presence, hearing Jesus say, "If 
ye will ask the Father anything in my name, I 
will do it." Thus encouraged, they now cry unto 
God for the deliverance of the soul of Sister 
Cautious and that of the priest's brother. Oh! 
that they, too, may know Him. "Father, answer 
the priest's prayer, for Jesus Christ's sake." 

27 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

Once more, we find Sister Abigail at the hos- 
pital, but not, on this occasion, to meet Sister 
Cautious, but to visit none other than one of our 
little praying circle, Mrs. S — who was taken there 
very seriously ill. So, day by day for two weeks, 
visits are made, with persistent distribution of 
those little leaflets. Just leaving them here, there, 
everywhere. 

One evening Mrs. S. — seemed to be stronger, 
the temptation to linger a little longer than 
usual was almost too much, especially as the 
patient felt strangely well and happy and re- 
quested to hear something about our little praying 
circle and what was happening. 

Was not Sister Abigail's heart full? Oh! had 
not much been happening? Had she not much to 
tell? Kneeling at the bedside, she related all about 
our conductor, telling how the little tract was find- 
ing its way to souls. Then the scenes of that sick- 
room were gone over. How subdued the voice! 
How intense the tone! as they near the very por- 
tals of glory, and the last words are uttered from 
the lips of the priest, "Unto — that — day !" 

The lights had been lowered in the ward. Every- 
thing was hushed, save the quiet tread of the nurse, 
who was keeping w T atch. Frequently she drew 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

near, slowly, almost hesitatingly she passed, but, 
lost in wonder, with their hearts thrilled, they had 
forgotten everything. 

The nurse stops now, oh, yes, they, too, 
have been recalled to earth, for she is at 
their side. It is time for medicine. When it is 
given, Sister Abigail is asked if she would like 
the light turned up a little? "Oh, no! perhaps you 
wish me to go now, as it is rather later than usual ?" 

"No, you need not, you are speaking so quietly, 
that you don't disturb anyone." Then she kindly 
offered Sister Abigail a chair, telling her to go 
on with her story. Had she heard it all? Did 
she want to hear more? Sister Abigail remained 
on her knees quite close to the patient, and soon 
again they were lost to all around. Why, is there 
more to tell? Yes, indeed. "Their works do fol- 
low them," God says. 

A letter had been received from a stranger on 
the day of a recent prayer-meeting, which brought 
back memories, reminding our praying ones of 
God's faithfulness in answering prayer. 

It seems that a year before our Sister Ab- 
igail had gone forth on one of her little 
missions, and was waiting with others at a 
street corner for the car. Among those waiting 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

was a very strange-looking little man, deformed, 
his limbs twisted, a large hump on his back. My! 
he was little. Of course, the first impulse was to 
say "Poor fellow! Just hear that racking cough! 
and he can hardly get into the car!" Giving a fun- 
ny spring, he leaps to the seat, that is too high 
for him, when the car starts with a sudden jerk. 
See! he is falling forward, and Abigail puts forth 
her hand to steady him. Their eyes meet, as he 
expresses his thanks. Hers, filled with intense 
compassion and pity, move him, but oh! the bit- 
terness of the tone, as he ironically remarks, "It 
is nice to be like this, isn't it?" 

"No, indeed, it is not, but, if you will believe on 
the Lord Jesus Christ, your body will be beautiful 
like His some day." 

"I don't believe it ; I believe in God as a Supreme 
Being, but cannot see wherein He is a loving God, 
when He has made me like this." 

Then Sister Abigail produces a New Testament 
saying, "My little book shows me that if 
you will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, He 
will change your poor body, and make it like His 
own glorious body," She marked Phil. 3:21; John 
3 :14-18 ; 1 Cor. 15 :35-57, and made him promise to 
read the book. She told the praying circle at this 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

time of this poor deformed young fellow, bitter in 
spirit and, of course, they prayed for his salvation. 

Now the letter comes, saying: — "About a year 
ago, you gave a Testament to a lame man on a car 
— a very little much-deformed man. You looked 
so sorry for him, and begged him to believe 
on Jesus and he would be changed. On open- 
ing the Testament, he found enclosed a tract 
about a conductor. He read it and said, "I 
cannot go to a Christless grave!" Mother 
urged him to read the little book, and he 
found from John 3 :16 that God loved even him. 
He believed on Him, and has not gone to a Christ- 
less grave, but has gone to heaven to be changed, 
to have a new, glorious body. 'Oh!' said he, 
'Thank the lady, and tell her to look at others, 
as she looked at me.' Mother is saved, and I, too, for 
we all read the little book, and we don't drink 
beer or whiskey any more, and we will tell every 
one we know to read it too." 

"And now, dear Mrs. S — I must go, but isn't 
it wonderful, that God should so bless the tract 
about our conductor?" Well! it would be more 
wonderful if He did not! How good He is to 
answer our prayers. Surely, it pays to pray, and 
"Little is much, when God is in it." 

31 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

But the nurse had overheard, and asks Sister 
Abigail, "Is what you have been telling about the 
priest true?" 

"Oh, yes, have you heard? How much have you 
heard?" 

"I think I heard it all, I found one of those lit- 
tle papers under a mat, the one about the con- 
ductor, and, on two different occasions, I gave it 
to some patients." Then she repeated the words 
the priest said, "I know whom I have believed." 

"Whom have you believed, the Lord 
Jesus Christ?" 

A short conversation followed, and she was given 
the gospel by John to read. At a later interview, 
she, too, could mingle her voice with others, truly 
saying "I too know; yes, I know whom I have be- 
lieved." She took her vacation shortly after this, 
and is now doing private nursing. 

It was only three hours after Sister Abigail's 
visit, when Mrs. S — became suddenly worse, and 
was soon, oh, so soon, ushered into the presence of 
the King, where, face to face, she could meet the 
subjects of the story she had listened to with such 
interest, — the conductor, the priest, the little man. 
Wonder of Wonders! and I shall be there! Will 
you? 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER VI. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, — for it is the 
power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth" 
(Rom. i:16). 

Three weeks have passed since the scene at L — 
and our Sister Cautious again calls Sister Abigail 
by telephone and appoints a meeting at Park L — , 
where quietly and sacredly they talk over the 
death of the priest, her brother, going back to that 
little incident, on the car, where Sister Abigail gave 
him the paper, telling of the conductor. Surely the 
paper was being much used by God! They recall 
the passage from the Word of God, that he so 
triumphantly quoted. "For I know whom I have 
believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep 
that which I have committed unto Him against 
that day" II Tim 1 :12. 

Sister Cautious, feeling her way, says, "Can the 
Word of God have such power, and bring about 
such changes?" Sister Abigail answers "Yes," re- 
lating to her another incident. 

It was the story of a very sick woman 
whom she had been asked to visit, and with whom 
she had left the tract of "our conductor." At this 

38 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

home there was much service to be rendered in His 
name, with loving hands to make the patient com- 
fortable. One day, after having read the tract, the 
sick woman asked Sister Abigail, "Do you think the 
man in the paper you gave me could know he was 
going to heaven? How could he have his sins for- 
given? And what did he mean by a Christ-less 
grave?" 

"Of course, he could know he was going to 
heaven, because God's Word says : 'Believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' Acts 
16 :31. 

"He could also have his sins forgiven, because 
God's Word says : 'Be it known unto you there- 
fore, men and brethen, that through this man 
(Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of 
sins: And by Him, all that believe are justified 
from all things.'— Acts 13 :38, 39. 

"To go to a Christless grave is to die without hav- 
ing trusted Christ alone, for salvation, for there is 
salvation in none other." 

But though the gospel was given her in all sim- 
plicity, this dear woman could not believe in there 
being any hope, outside of her church and good 
works. How could one know? She believed she 

34 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

must be prayed out of purgatory, to have any hope 
of heaven. 

The next day, on entering her home, our Sister 
Abigail was met with, "I have been thinking so 
much about that conductor, he did not have any 
time for all w T as so sudden, and do you think he 
could know that he was saved?" 

Taking a Koman Catholic bible, Sister Abigail 
turned to John 3 :16 and read : "For God so loved 
the world, as to give His only begotten son; that 
'whosoever' believeth in Him may not perish, but 
may have life everlasting." Surely she could know ! 

The next time she was visited, the patient was 
found rejoicing in her newly-found Saviour and 
said, "You were so sure the man was saved, be- 
cause he took God at His word, and I thought I, too, 
would take Him at His word and trust Him any- 
way, and right away I felt and knew that there 
was nothing more to do or to pay; I am happy, 
oh, so happy !" A few days later, the end of her life 
came, and her last words were : "Only Jesus can 
save, He has saved me. Oh, it is not the cross, a 
mere piece of wood, but Jesus, for there is but one 
meditator between God and men, the man, Christ 
Jesus." I Tim. 2 :5. 

Then Sister Cautious repeated these words, so 

35 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

often quoted by her brother, "I know — am per- 
suaded — able to keep — what does it all mean?" And 
again they go over the work, done on Calvary's 
cross by the crucified Saviour. Surely all is cen- 
tred there! What a meditation for any heart! 

Then quietly and softly lost in thought, they 
parted, Sister Cautious thinking, groping through 
the dark, yes, longing, but still unconvinced. She re- 
turned to the hospital, where again she was absorb- 
ed with her mauy responsibilities and cares, but 
God says "I will work — who shall hinder?'' 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER VII. 

"Thy sceptre rules creation, 

Thy wounded hand rules me; 
All bow before thy footstool, 

I but the nail prints see. 
Aloud they sound thy praises, 

Thou Lord of Lords Most High, 
One thrilling thought absorbs me, 

This Lord for me did die." — J. G. Deek. 

Again Sister Cautious and Sister Abigail deter- 
mine to spend a day together, for have not the feel- 
ings of Sister Cautious been stirred? Her whole 
being is in unrest, with longing to know. Feeling, 
thinking, groping, hoping, she cannot, must not go 
on thus, longer. "My brother knew, Sister Abigail 
knows, and I, too, must know." 

Bound in superstition so long, inflicting penance 
upon herself, doing, working, saying prayers, with 
no rest, no peace, oh, how can she get light, when 
all is so dark? Truly, how can she be led into the 
light? Oh that God would speak the word, for is 
not Jesus the Light of the world? 

They go to Niagara Falls, and there close by the 
water's edge, where the mighty torrent falls in such 
unrest and the spray showers all around, they find 
a secluded corner, and, in spite of the noise and 
roar of the waters, there creeps a hush over their 

87 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

souls, as they solemnly read from the four gospels 
the account of our Lord's crucifixion, that awful 
tragedy, enacted at Calvary's cross, where amidst 
men's curses, railings and revilings and in the full 
blaze of the noonday sun, it becomes as midnight 
and a dense darkness covers the land for three hours 
and out of that awful gloom there rends through 
the sky that heart-rending cry, "My God, my God, 
why hast Thou forsaken me?" followed so soon after 
by the words, "It is. finished !" Then He bowed his 
head and died. 

"It is finished." Oh, what words of triumph — 
the Son of God — dying — for man, the creature's 
sin! Wonderful, wonderful words! 

"Oh, Sister Abigail, it all comes before me 
now, like dissolving views — I can see — I can know 
— I believe now." 

"Believe, believe what? the power of the Virgin 
Mary to intercede for you?" 

"Oh, no, not so much that, but what my Jesus ac- 
complished on the cross." 

"What was He there for?" 

"I know it all now, He was there for me, apart 
from all that any man can do" and, falling on her 
knees, at the water's edge, amidst the din and roar, 
she clasps together her hands, crying. "Oh! my 

38 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

Jesus! my Jesus! my Lord Jesus Christ! I 
can see now that nothing can atone, but the blood 
of Christ." 

"What about your penances, your suffering and 
many years of works in order to obtain salvation?" 

"Oh, don't speak to me of that any more. Noth- 
ing, nothing could be added to such an atonement 
as this. What you have read has shown me Jesus 
on the cross, dying for my sins, and there is noth- 
ing left for me to do." 

"What did you mean by saying, not so much the 
Virgin Mary?" 

"Just to think there is so little said about her in 
God's Book ! I realize she is nothing more than any 
other woman (apart from the honor of being the 
Mother of Jesus), but I have been so accustomed 
to think of her interceding for me. Can it be true, 
Sister Abigail, that Jesus intercedes for me, all the 
time?" 

"Yes, indeed! and do you know that your 
prayers, in His name, arise as sweet incense to 
God?" 

"How strange! what you tell me, makes me see 
that you Protestant Christians do confess, do have 
an intercessor, and do believe in good works, but 
all after salvation, instead of for salvation, and 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

that you pray to God, through Christ, instead of 
through the Virgin Mary."' 

Then they had prayer together, and Sister Cau- 
tious said, "God! Father! teach me to pray, 
through Jesus to Thee." 

What a scene to God and to angels! "There is 
joy in the presence of the angels of God over one 
sinner that repenteth.'' Luke 15 :10. 

God and His Son satisfied with that work for the 
poor sinner, yes, and the poor sinner well satisfied 
also. Dear reader, are you? 

They had brought a little lunch for refreshment, 
and, after spreading it out, they bowed their heads 
reverently and gave thanks to God, and Sister Cau- 
tious whispered "for Jesus Christ's sake." 

They lingerel together, but now there is new life, 
and. with it, many questions arise. 

"How can I go on in the old way?" 

"Will they have me in the church of Rome 
under the new condition of things?" 

"Why, God will make your path as plain as your 
salvation ! Have you ever read of those in distress, 
who called on God and he delivered them out of all 
their distresses.'' 

"No !" 

"Will you write it down?" 

40 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

And so she copied the words from Psalm 107 :28. 
"Oh, I must have a book, exactly like yours !" 

"Yes, indeed, it is worth its weight in gold, be- 
ing the Word of God and the Word says "Ye were 
not redeemed with corruptible things as with sil- 
ver and gold, but with the precious blood of 
Christ." 

"Oh, no! does it say so in those words?" 

"Yes, in 1 St. Peter 1 :18." 

"I must indeed have a book like yours !" 

"You call it a book, I call it 'The Book.' " 

"Yes, it is The Book of Books to you." 

They had prayer together again, and Sister Cau- 
tious thanked God for Sister Abigail. 

But time was going, they could tarry no longer, 
and returned to the city. Our Sister Cautious 
began to live her new life — in old surroundings. 
Surely the little praying circle had proved that 
their God was true. How encouraged they were to 
go on moving the hand that moves the world! 

Our priest's prayer for his sister, answered. I 
wonder, does he know? But he prayed also for his 
brother. Will not God answer? 

Father, we add our petition, "Save him for 
Christ's sake." Oh, it does pay to pray, and sure- 
ly "Little is much, when God is in it." 

41 



LITTLE IS MUCH 



CHAPTER VIII. 

"Then Jesus said unto His disciples, If any will come after 
me let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. 
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever 
will lose his life for My sake shall find it." — Matt. 16: 24, 25. 

New desires, new hopes and new aspirations 
had been begotten in the soul of Sister Cautious, 
and she felt that there must come changes in her 
life; was not, too, her sister in the old country, to 
whom she must go, to tell her of her newly found 
joy? This would necessitate leaving her old sur- 
roundings, and this she decided to do, as soon as 
she could see her way clear; but, how could she do 
so? Had she not become absorbed in her work? 
How strong were the old ties and associations of so 
many years! How she prayed and agonized in 
prayer for strength to do the right thing ! To break 
her vows was no small matter with her, and yet 
again, under the new condition of things, how 
could she be true to her church obligations? 
Would it be treating justly and honestly those 
who had commited so much to her trust, to seem 
to be, what in reality she was not! No! she felt 
the time had come for her to go; and go she must 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

to her sister, as God was seeming to say "This 
is the way, walk ye in it !" 

Only God knows what it meant to her to tear 
herself away from her life-long associations, to be 
misunderstood, maligned, yes, even cursed. Her 
distress, her agony was terrible; at last the time 
had arrived, when this step must be taken, though 
with only two dollars and a half in her possession, 
the means to buy a pair of shoes, what was she to 
do? She decided she would not touch this money, 
but would trust the Lord, who had done so much 
for her, and step out, not knowing whither she 
went. She telephoned to Sister Abigail, telling 
of her decision and the latter to meet her at the 
depot to say farewell. 

What exercise of heart had Sister Abigail that 
morning ! Sister Cautious going away ! No means 
with which to go: And Sister Abigail, with no 
means to help ! But she knew her God, who had sup- 
plied her every need for so long a time, and He was 
faithful. Did He not know? Did He not love? 
Did He not care? To her knees she went, telling 
Him all about it, and saying, "Father, I will give 
Sister Cautious all the money you will send me this 
morning." The morning mail arrived with one 
letter from England containing eight pounds ster- 

43 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

ling. Then at eight o'clock ten dollars was sent in 
and, on her way to the depot, a Christian put a 
five dollar gold piece in her hand. 

Sister Cautious said she had a friend in 

R , with whom she could stay, till her 

way was opened to go to her sister in the old 
country, and she was willing to go with simply 

her fare to R . Sister Abigail purchased her 

ticket, gave her an envelope, enclosing what money 
remained, and told her about God answering pray- 
er and sending so much for her in so short a time. 

Oh! what gratefulness arose in their hearts, as 
they withdrew to a corner in that depot, to pour 
out their thanksgiving to such a God as was theirs. 
How encouraged and cheered they were to go on 
for God, not counting their lives dear unto them- 
selves ! ! 

"But, Sister Cautions, did you not think you 
should have made a confession of your faith, and 
explained why you were leaving and going to your 
sisters?" 

"Oh, you do not understand, I could not, but go 
I must." 

The train was ready now and they must part. 
They had become very dear to one another, and 
were feeling the parting very much, knowing that 

44 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

in all likelihood they would not meet on earth 
again, but that the next meeting would be in the 
Glory Land, in the presence of Him, who had died 
for them. 

Sister Cautious boards the train for R trea- 
suring the word "He knoweth the way that I take" 
Job. 23 :10. Our Sister Abigail says farewell, hes- 
itates a moment, then slowly returns to her 
home and labor in the Lord. With what mingled 
feelings of joy and sadness does she review all the 
happenings of the last few years. Communica- 
tion is now cut off and it is some time before word 
comes from Sister Cautious, but one day she tele- 
phones Sister Abigail that she is leaving R 

for England. 

How anxiously Sister Abigail waits for 
news of her arrival there, but none comes — , 
what can be the matter? Has she forgotten Sister 
Abigail? Are her trials too great to tell? Has 
she grown cold in heart towards her Lord? Is not 
her Saviour a reality? Has she done wrong and 
repented? 

Our little praying circle does not forget 
to pray, and, though lost sight of for a long 
time, she is commended to the care of our Lord, 
in whom she had learned to trust, and God was 

45 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

not unmindful of their prayers ! Will they ever 
hear from her again? Well they can trust in the 
dark, for He doeth all things well and He cares. 

A long time elapses. There is a ring at the door 
bell, and Sister Abigail is wanted. It is a gentle- 
man, and he will not enter. Sister Abigail goes 
to the door, to find a gentleman clothed in the 
garb of a priest. Immediately he asks if she is 
Sister Abigail. "I am Sister Abigail to only one 
person; how do you know me as that?" 

Holding up a little book of poems by Miss 
Havergal, he asked, ''Do you recognize this?" 

"Yes, I left it at the — Hospital." 

"Who did you say could have it?" 

"Where did you get it?" 

"Did you know anyone you called Sister Cau- 
tious?" 

"Yes, indeed, where is she? What do you know 
about her?" 

"She is my sister, and she is gone !" 

"I have just come from the old country, from 
her bedside, where I saw her pass away from this 
world into the next. She told me, that she desired 
you to have this book and that you would recog- 
nize it. 

"I have another book here" and, removing the 

46 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

wrapping paper, lie continued, "Do you know 
this?" 

"I think so! Oh! it is her Bible!" 

"My sister asked me to give these in your hands, 
which I most solemnly promised to do, and she 
wanted me to tell you, she was not going through 
purgatory nor into judgment, because she knew 
whom she had believed, and was persuaded — and 
persuaded and persuaded ! ! !" 

"And are you, sir? Do you believe?" 

"I do believe that Jesus died for my sins, and I 
know whom I have believed — I believe in Him ! 

"I cannot leave the true church, but my eyes have 
been opened to see there is no other way, but to 
trust simply in the Lord Jesus Christ for salva- 
tion and I will tell it. It is a very deep sorrow 
to me that my sister left the true church, and for 
that I cannot forgive you." 

Another one entered into His presence, and safe 
at Home! Another prayer answered, the priest's 
brother saved ! Oh, sisters, pray on, it surely pays ! 
Our God is a faithful God. He does hear. He 
does answer. 

How eagerly, how sacredly, our Sister Abigail 
clasps the book of poems and the Bible in her hands ! 
How much she feels ! "And so dear Sister Cautious 

47 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

is at Home, with her Saviour! Truly she knows 
Him ! Dear, dear Sister Cautious." 

The leaves of the Bible are reverently turned. 
Exodus 20 is found marked and divided into ten 
sections, then a footnote written at the bot- 
tom of the page reads, "AU this done away 
in the death of Jesus, for I know whom I 
have believed." Another passage of Scripture 
is underlined. Reader, do I need to tell you 
what that text is? Surely none other than 
2 Timothy 1 :12. Let us say it over together 
reverently. 

"For I know whom I have believed, and am per- 
suaded that He is able to keep that which I have 
committed unto Him. against that day." 

A leaf is turned down in the little book of 
poems, having been marked by her own hands. 

"He is with thee ! — In thy service, 

He is with thee 'certainly,' 
Filling with the Spirit's power. 

Giving in the needing hour 
His own messages by thee." 

Yes, it is her last message to Sister Abigail. She 
has gone to be with Him, but, sends this word 
across the waters. "He is with thee/' and Abigail 
responds: "Mizpah!" Till-that-Day ! 



48 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 



CHAPTER IX. 

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shall find it aftet 
many days." — Eccl. 11 :1. 

Five o'clock? Yes, that is the last whistle. The 
bells are ringing in the engine room. They are 
pulling in the plank, and the boat is moving out; 
"Throw off the ropes" cries the deckhand. Every 
thing is in motion, and that large boat with its 
pleasure lovers and pleasure seekers, is plying its 
way through the water to the beach. The band 
strikes up, and many couples are wending their 
way to the dancing deck; groups of business men 
are seen here and there talking over the topics of 
the day; many are busy reading the evening 
papers. The pop-corn boy and ice cream boy wend 
their way through the crowd. 

Our Sister Abigail is also on this boat, going to 
the beach, where Iona is staying for the summer. 
Iona has been very ill, and Sister Abigail spends 
the nights with her, and is now carrying with her 
a basket of extras for the invalid, and, of course, 
is not without her bundle of tracts, for she feels 
she must use every opportunity to reach souls. And 

49 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

what an opportunity this is! So she passes in 
and out among the people, giving away her little 
messengers; among others is the tract about our 
conductor. Many receive one graciously, some 
with sneers, others with a toss of the head or a 
smile, but few refuse. She cares not; on she goes, 
saying softly to herself, "Thou knowest not which 
shall prosper either this or that." And, "Little is 
much, when God is in it," you know ! 

On one occasion, she caused a sensation; 
while standing at the side of the boat, as it went 
dancing over the waves, gazing at the large ex- 
panse of water, she thought of these words, "Cast 
thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it 
after many days." Quick as a flash, she responded : 
"I shall literally do it ! Messages have been sent 
in bottles from ships in distress, and received some- 
where, and I have a bottle in my basket, I shall 
put the tract about the conductor in it." So de- 
liberately taking out the bottle, she rolled the 
tract, taking care to have on the outside the title 
"I am not going to a Christless grave, are you?" 
She put it into the bottle, and, placing the cork 
in, pounded it tightly on the boat's railing; 
then, after hesitating but a moment, while she had 
telephonic communication with heaven, "Father, use 

50 



WHEN GOD IS. IN IT. 

this message, for Jesus' sake," she threw the bottle 
adrift upon the waves. 

Many were the eyewitnesses; what can she be 
doing? What a crazy thing to do! Then there 
was the smile, the sneer, the criticism, but what 
does she care, while the little song of trust makes 
melody in her heart? He said, "Cast thy bread upon 
the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days" 
and will He not keep His word? So, with the 
thrush, she can sing: 



"He'll do it, He will, He'll do it! 
Nor sings he his song in vain ; 
For as oft as I hear the music 
It brings to my heart the word. 
'He is faithful who hath promised.' 
I will do it, saith the Lord." 



Well, the summer passes by, and nothing seems 
to have been accomplished. Our little praying cir- 
cle asks God to use the little messengers distrib- 
uted in His name, and thus the trust is committed 
to His hands. 

A year has passed by, and still no news of results 
has come, but the text reads, "After many days." 
Is there just a wee bit of impatience, during the 
waiting time? The thrush echoes; 

51 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

"But listen ! the song is changing, 

'Tis a note of impatience now. 
Quick ! quick ! quick ! quick ! he is saying, 

As he flits from bough to bough. 
And it seems to be only an echo 

Of some human hearts we know ; 
They say 'God will keep His promise,' 

But think the performance slow." 



There is yet a little longer waiting, but the heart 
is learning to trust, yes, and is learning something 
more. 



"For sweet is Thy will, O Father, 
And right is Thy chosen time, 

And again the thrush's anthem 
Is joyous full and free. 

He'll do it, He will, He'll do it; 
The Amen is said by me." 



Eighteen months have passed now, a gentleman 
is ushered into the sitting-room. It is Monday 
morning. What could have brought such an early 
visitor? Surely something important! He looked 
at Sister Abigail for a moment, then exclaimed: 
"Yes, you are the lady I saw on the five o'clock 
boat, every evening, that summer. I watched you 
give out your little messengers from time to time, 
and also watched the faces of the recipients, but, 
no matter what their attitude, you passed on se- 
renely, and, one day, I saw you do a very strange 

52 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

thing, you rolled up one of the little tracts, placed 
it in a bottle, corked it and threw it overboard, 
much to the amusement of the onlookers. Well, I 
got so that I watched for your coming and now I 
have my story to tell. 

"I was in dire business difficulties, could see no 
way out, had not courage to face my creditors and 
go down in disgrace, so determined to take my life, 
and again and again, went to the beach for that 
purpose but was unable to carry out my purpose. 
Matter were getting worse, what was I to do? I 
was frantic. The day came, when I knew that 
things could be kept quiet no longer. I was a ruined 
man — so determined to end all. I took a boat and 
rowed out on the lake, yes, I rowed and rowed 
waiting for the dark, when I could pull in the 
oars and drift, drift whither I would. It is a tale 
often told, a boat upset, man lost, not an unusual 
occurrence, you know!" 

He went on to say, "Soon, soon, all would have 
been over ; the sun was setting, I pulled in my oars, 
and began to drift — drift — happy release soon now 
— death is preferable to disgrace! Still drifting 
and wondering when and where all would end I 
saw that the moon was rising then and casting its 
rays of light over the water, and, in that light I 

53 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

noticed something floating. I reached forth my 
hand instinctively and caught it, and behold, it 
was a bottle! Instantly I thought, 'One of that 
lady's bottles V Impatiently, I knocked off the top 
with my knife, pulled out the little paper, and read 
that ominous headline, 'I am not going to a Christ- 
less grave, are you?' 

"Imagine how I felt if you can ! It was the voice 
of God. I was stunned! Surely, there was some- 
thing worse than disgrace, — a Christless grave — 
hell. I wavered but a moment, I could not, no, I 
could not go to a Christless grave. Pushing out 
the oars, I rowed to the shore like one mad — 
rushed to my room, struck a light and read the 
story of a conductor, his sudden death, his accept- 
ance of the Saviour. I could endure no longer my 
suspense, unrest, agony of mind, but there and then 
accepted Christ as my own Saviour, and found 
rest to my soul. What rest it is !" 

The next morning he arose, and still had the 
same difficulties to face, but he was a new man in 
Christ Jesus and had the promise of his Lord to 
comfort him, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake 
thee." Now he was eager to face his creditors, 
made no delay to call them together, told them his 
difficulties and promised to pay every cent, if they 

54 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

would give him time. They accepted his terms. He 
soon sought a position with that object in view, 
and is paying all gradually, adding "As soon as I 
have settled all honorably, I will publicly confess 
my faith in Christ." 

Well ! Well ! "Little is much, when God is in it," 
and that little tract, cast on the waters, has been 
found after — many days. God said it and it is 
true. 

"He'll do it, He will, He'll do it." 

He did it. Praise His name! The would-be sui- 
cide is not going to a Christless grave. Are you ? 



56 



LITTLE IS MUCH 



CHAPTER X. 

"He was better to me than all my hopes, 

He was better than all my fears; 
He made a road of my broken works, 

And a rainbow of my tears. 

"He guided my paths I could not see, 

By ways that I have not known. 
The crooked was straight and the rough made plain, 

As I followed the Lord, alone." 

It was only a day yielded to Him, placed in 
His control! Could He be unfaithful to that 
trust? Oh, no! 

"He knows, he loves, He cares! 

Nothing this truth can dim, 
He gives the very best to those 

Who leave the choice with Him." 

Yet everything seemed to go wrong, and was hin- 
dered. ("Man proposes, but God disposes"), for 
"It is not in man that walketh, to direct his steps." 
Another had taken up the trust, put into His 
hands. So, if much was to be accomplished, He 
must needs thwart plans, for our ways are not 
His ways, and how often instead of being found 
"workers together with Him," we hinder the work- 
ing out of the very thing we would most desire. 

56 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

But when in touch with Him, yielding our- 
selves, as circumstances come, without fret or fric- 
tion in our inmost souls, knowing He is over all 
and can, through a very little thing, even the miss- 
ing of a car, set every thing in motion (for who 
can stay His course, when He begins to work?) 
how easy everything becomes! How simple it 
makes life, how care-free! Oh! do not our hearts 
know it? 

Thus 

"The little girl wrought by her father's side, 

In a garden at cool of eventide ; 
Only pleasure to her did the labor seem, 

For she was a worker 'together with Him.' " 

But when "out of touch," not yielding ourselves 
as circumstances arise, or remembering that they 
come from Him, how hard the day is, how every- 
thing drags, and our busiest day, so full of work, 
has nothing in it. Like the little girl, 

"When toiling alone, 'twas different indeed, 

It was hard work to pull up each tiresome weed ; 

And soon she ceased trying the garden to trim, 
For she was no longer, a 'worker with Him.' " 

Oh! to let God choose and plan our days for us! 
Well ! God disposed the purposes of our Sister Ab- 
igail that day, and directed her steps, causing her 
to take the right car, at the right time, to give the 

57 



LITTLE IS MUCH 

right message to the right man, and then ! oh then ! 
see all that follow* in train, and fills our little 
volume. The tract telling of the conductor saved 
reaches the priest, who in turn reaches Sister Cau- 
tious. The tale told reaches the nurse — the cripple 
— the sick woman — the priest's brother — and last, 
but not least, the man bent on suicide. Surely, 
when that day was yielded. God was in it, and 
man's busiest day is not worth that minute on the 
car. 

We might go on to tell of Nellie and John, two 
who had contemplated suicide, and of two men in 
Toronto into whose hands fell the tract about the 
conductor, all of whom God saved. And they are 
still living, and trying to please their Lord. 

But enough for this time! The tele of that day 
is still being told, and our Sister Abigail is living 
and going on with her work, valuing more than 
ever the details of her life. Shall not we too value 
the detals of our lives? Oh! for hearts to see God 
in everything, knowing, 

"Nothing in itself is small. 

None is great, tho' earth it fill: 
But that is small, that seek its oztm. 
And great, that seeks God's u ;.'.'.'" 

How much He can and does make out of our 

58 



WHEN GOD IS IN IT. 

little! do you not feel tempted to trust Him 
more? I do! 

Our Sister Abigail's experience is only that of 
many untold experiences, the echoes of results from 
a small thing, as, for instance, the fragrant life 
filled with trophies of grace for Him. Such was that 
of Delia (the bluebird of Mulberry Bend), result- 
ing from the receiving of a pink rose, so sacredly 
committed by Mrs. Wittimore into God's hands to 
be used for Him. Yes, and perhaps, your own 
life was changed by a very little thing. 

Then why, oh why, are the fret and the worries? 
Cannot the very detail, that seems to hinder, be 
fraught with such blessings as were the hindrances 
of our Sister Abigail's day. 

"God for us and with us, O wonderful thought, 
What deeds of renown in His name might be wrought ! 

Did the precious truth in our hearts ever beam, 
That we, his own children, are 'workers with Him.' " 

And shall we not be? Oh, let us make the little 
things in our lives tell for Him, for we know "Lit- 
tle is much, when God is in it!" 



59 



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